Dhaulagiri Circuit (22 days, 21 nights)
This outing combines spectacular mountain scenery with cultural and geographical diversity.
Until 1808 Ecuador's Chimborazo was believed to be the highest mountain in the world, then from 1808 to 1848 Dhaulagiri was thought to be the highest mountain in the world, from 1848 to 1852 Kanchenjunga, and since 1852 Mt. Everest. Now Dhaulagiri is the seventh highest mountain in the world at 8,167 meters (26,795 feet). "Dhaulagiri" means "white mountain" because of the continuous snow. Dhaulagiri is almost unequaled on earth in rise above local terrain; it rises 7,000 meters over the Kali Gandaki gorge in about 30 kilometers of horizontal distance. The Kali Gandaki is especially dramatic since Dhaulagiri and Annapurna both stand near the river, giving a unique example of two 8,000-meter peaks facing each other over a deep valley. In 1950, the French led by Maurice Herzog trekked up the Kali Gandaki planning to climb Dhaulagiri on the west but they found it too difficult, and instead climbed Annapurna on the east (the first 8,000-meter peak to be summited). Dhaulagiri was finally summited in 1960 by a Swiss-Austrian expedition.
Our Dhaulagiri trek is one of the finest and most scenically beautiful treks in all Nepal. Some people say this is their favorite route in Nepal. It is like the Annapurna Circuit, but without the crowds. We will hike through many climatic, biologic, and cultural zones; see some of the highest mountains in the world; trek from about 2,000 feet altitude up to Dhaulagiri Base Camp and over French Pass at 17,586 feet; meet friendly Nepali people; and visit Buddhist monasteries. This is a very strenuous hike because of the altitude, but porters will haul your overnight gear, so you carry only a daypack.
This is a daily plan for our outing. Generally, we will fly from the U.S. to Kathmandu, bus to Pokhara, trek around Dhaulagiri clockwise, fly back to Kathmandu, and fly home. We have scheduled this outing at the optimal time of year for the climate. However, adventure travel may bring changes to this itinerary. The schedule may vary depending on weather, road or trail conditions, medical issues, your health, political situation, or other circumstances. Please bring this itinerary with you.
Th Sep 30 Fly from USA to Singapore.
F Oct 1 Arrive in Singapore.
Sa Oct 2 Fly from Singapore to Kathmandu (4400ft/1400m).
Su Oct 3 Morning tour Kathmandu world heritage sights Swayambunath, Pashupatinath, and Bodhnath.
M Oct 4 Bus to Pokhara (6-8 hours; 2,900ft/884m). Visit Bandipur on the way?
T Oct 5 Minivan to Darbang (3,870ft/1180m) 6 hrs.
W Oct 6 Trek toSibang (5,281ft/1,610m) 6 hrs.
Th Oct 7 Trek to Muri (6,068ft/1,850m) 4 hrs.
F Oct 8 Trek to Bagora (6,822ft/2,080m) 6 hrs. Fixed lines up steep, exposed trail before Bagora.
Sa Oct 9 Trek to Dobang (8,202ft/2,500m) 6 hrs. Waterfall and hot springs on the way.
Su Oct 10 Trek to Sallaghari (9,250ft/2,820m) 6 hrs.
M Oct 11 Trek to Italian Base Camp (12,000ft/3,660m) 5 hrs.
T Oct 12 Layover day. Optional hike high, sleep low.
W Oct 13 Trek to Japanese Base Camp (14,563ft/4,440m) 4 hrs.
Th Oct 14 Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (15,420ft/4,700m) 8 hrs.
F Oct 15 Layover day. Optional hike up to Dhaulagiri Camp 1.
Sa Oct 16 Trek over French Col (17,585ft/5,360m) to Hidden Valley (16,732ft/5,100m) 8 hrs.
Su Oct 17 Climbers: Move camp to above Dhampus Pass/Thapa Col (18,000ft) 4 hrs. Trekkers: Layover day optional explore Hidden Valley.
Hiking to the Hidden Valley (Photo: Kipa)
M Oct 18 Climbers: Climb Dhampus/Thapa Peak (19,719ft/6,012m), trek to Yak Kharka 12 hrs. Trekkers: Trek Dhampus Pass/Thapa Col (17,220ft) to Yak Kharka (13,087ft/3,990m) 6 hrs.
T Oct 19 Trek to Marpha (8,750ft/2,667m) 2 hrs. Tour Marpha. Trek to Jomsom (8,922ft/2,720m) 2 hrs.
W Oct 20 Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara. Optional visit International Mountain Museum.
Th Oct 21 Layover day in Pokhara. Optional view from Sarangkot (1 hr. drive) of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna range, and Machapuchare. Optional row a boat on Phewa Tal. Backup day in case of bad weather on trek.
F Oct 22 Morning: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Afternoon: Free in Kathmandu Valley (Bhaktapur or Patan) and/or shopping on your own. Evening: Nepal cultural dinner, live music, and folk dancers.
Sa Oct 23 Fly from Kathmandu to Singapore. Overnight near the airport.
Su Oct 24 Arrive home.
Optional Extension to Raft the Kali Gandaki River (class III-IV)
Not sponsored by The Mountaineers.
Ultimate Descents Nepal trips depart Pokhara every Monday and Friday for 3 days, and then return to Pokhara.
F Oct 22 Raft the Kali Gandaki River.
Sa Oct 23 Raft the Kali Gandaki River.
Su Oct 24 Raft the Kali Gandaki River.
M Oct 25 Morning: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Afternoon: Free in Kathmandu Valley (Bhaktapur or Patan) and/or shopping on your own. Evening: Nepal cultural dinner, live music, and folk dancers.
T Oct 26 Fly from Kathmandu to Singapore. Overnight near the airport.
W Oct 27 Arrive home.
Download Reservation Form
Visit The Mountaineer's website
Lodging
Hotels in Singapore, Bangkok, Kathmandu and Pokhara. Camping tent on trek. Double occupancy, with optional single supplement.
Food
Most meals are provided. They are a nutritious variety of Nepali and Western cuisine. In Singapore and Kathmandu, some meals are on your own to give you the freedom to explore the delicious cuisines of Asia.
Limit
Minimum 2 Mountaineers, maximum 12 Mountaineers.
Leader
Craig Miller has led 11 different Himalayan treks in the last 11 years for The Mountaineers (craigfmiller@comcast.net or 206-285-2399).
Price inclusions and exclusions
The price includes almost everything: roundtrip airfare from Seattle; Singapore hotels; Nepal visa; airport transfers; Kathmandu hotels; buses; trek permit, ACAP fee, guide, porter, food, tent, peak climbing fee; Pokhara hotels; domestic flight; Nepal departure tax; two Singapore departure taxes; rescue insurance; The Mountaineers outing fee; and a portion of leader cost. Price excludes your valid passport, medical immunizations, some meals, personal items, and gratuities.
Registration
Please download and complete the application form, and then email it to the leader. After the leader's approval, please telephone The Mountaineers; give them your credit card number and $2,000 deposit. After your deposit is received, the leader will send you a series of three letters with information to help you prepare for this outing. your balance is due July 1, 2010.
Cancellation
If you cancel because of an emergency, you may receive a refund less expenses incurred and $100 administrative fee
Mailing Address:
The Mountaineers
7700 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115